Turnovers contributed to the Noles' one-win season, as Southeast picked off only 2 passes and threw 16 interceptions. There is more stability now, with quite a few talented skill position players led by running back Kevin Johnson. The defense should be better with six returning starters, but lack of depth on both lines could spell trouble. The freshman class has more than 30 players out with some big guys. It should be a better season, but there are many question marks.

By The Numbers

29

Average points allowed per game; gave up more than 30 points in 5 games including 56 to Palmetto

5

Last playoff win for Southeast was five years ago in 2010 when Noles defeated Winter Haven in 2 OT.

26

Number of years Southeast has qualified for the post season playoffs

IMPACT NEWCOMER:

TYLER STEVENSON, soph., receiver/punt returner

JV quarterback last year, Stevenson is the fastest player on the team, who runs a 4.4-forty, He

will be utilized as a receiver (mostly in the slot) and punt/kick returner. Though only 5-8, 140 pounds, coaches say he has great hands and is electric with the ball. Coach Warren describes him as "one cat guy on a jet sweep that makes people miss."

DEEP AT: DEFENSIVE BACK: A lot of people with considerable playing time return led by Derrick Bradley.

THIN AT OFFENSIVE/DEFENSIVE LINE: Quality starters, but no depth so a lot of people going both ways.

WING MAN:

QION BURCH, Junior

The Seminoles top returning receiver, Burch caught 25 passes for 271 yards (10.8 avg) and 3 TDs while rushing for 124 yards. He has more quickness than speed, which makes him a good weapon in the slot. Blessed with soft hands, he is a football guy who understands the intricacies of the game. Tough and gritty, wants to play both ways, but needed on offense with Noles losing Landon Arsenault, who went back to Indiana.

NEEDS A BIG SEASON FROM:

JOEY GIARDINA / senior /quarterback

Giardina put up impressive numbers as a freshman and sophomore quarterback for Bradenton Christian. He transferred to Southeast last year and played receiver.

Now he's back at quarterback and the 5-9, 155 pounder can't hide his excitement. "It feels great to play quarterback again. I feel it is where I was meant to be," Giardina says. "I'll play any position where the team needs me, but quarterback is my first love. Playing receiver last year helped me get familiar with what receivers go through with their route running."

In his two years at BCS, Giardina completed 174-of-284 passes for 1,968 yards and 11 touchdowns. He rushed for 1,134 yards on 197 carries (5.8 avg) and 11 TDs. As a sophomore he averaged 6.9 yards per carry.

"He has got the footwork and understanding of the game. He just has to get the reps at our level," Warren said. "Joey does a good job of managing the game. He will help us cut down on our turnovers from last season."

Giardina says the level of competition between what he played at BCS and now at Southeast is minimal and does not present any problems.

"When it comes down to it if you are a football player you can deal with that and the difference in speed is just a touch. I am a dual threat quarterback and when i have to throw the ball I can," he says.